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Although Guernsey's 'airbridge' with the Isle of Man is approaching its end date, Aurigny is putting on two extra return flights to the island, so the local fire service can attend essential training.
The connection is set to come to an end on 13 September, but the States-owned airline has agreed to carry on for a short time after that date so members of the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service can keep their training up to date.
Only nine members will be travelling, so Aurigny is offering the rest of the seats out to the public.
The flights are scheduled as follows:
Sunday 13 September
Depart Guernsey at 14:00
Depart Isle of Man at 16:10
Wednesday 16 September
Depart Guernsey at 16:30
Depart Isle of Man at 18:40
Pictured: Aurigny is running two extra return flights to help the fire service.
"We have been stunned by the popularity of the route and the speed in which flights are sold out," said Aurigny's Commercial Director, Malcolm Coupar. "We have brought over sporting teams and facilitated many summer holidays this year and are also putting on a special flight for those attending Channel Islands Pride from the Isle of Man.
"Aurigny is proud to have been able to fly the route and have helped make the airbridge a huge success."
Guernsey Airport Fire & Rescue Service Station Manager, Pete Bretel, said the trip to the Isle of Man was an important opportunity for the service.
"Due to the covid-19 pandemic and travel restrictions to and from the UK, Guernsey Airport Fire & Rescue Service management have proactively sought alternative arrangements for firefighting staff who would others have to attend the normal revalidation nurses provided by International Fire Training Centre at Teesside International Airport in the UK.
"Revalidation is a regulatory requirement every four years."
Pictured: The Isle of Man is a 'Group C' jurisdiction, meaning travellers won't need to isolate on return.
Since the Isle of Man fire service was in a similar position, the services have decided to join together so a number of personnel can be revalidated at the same time.
"This has benefited both services as it will lower the risk of staff being exposed to any potential chance of infection of covid-19, due to both islands being at zero cases," Mr Bretel continued. "It will also negate the need for the Guernsey service staff to self-isolate on their return, which would have created a cost to cover the positions on shift.
"Aurigny has been most helpful in providing transport in order to achieve this endeavour and we are very grateful to them for ensuring safe transit of our staff."
Pictured top: Members of the Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service will travel to the Isle of Man for training.
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